Colombia police conduct major operations against organized crime and illegal weapons

Colombian authorities have executed several significant operations targeting organized crime, illegal weapons, and counterfeit currency. In Antioquia, the Dijin, in coordination with the U.S. Secret Service, dismantled a criminal network in Medellín and Sopetrán. The group allegedly used a lithography workshop as a front to manufacture and distribute over 600,000 counterfeit U.S. dollars via public transportation.

In Medellín, police arrested Leigh Simon Elston, a 38-year-old British national, in the Parque Lleras area. Elston was found in possession of a firearm, a silencer, and ammunition. Authorities identified him as a fugitive from Wales, sought for violating parole conditions related to a previous drug conviction.

In Nariño, security forces prevented a potential attack on the Cano Bajo toll booth after discovering 78 improvised explosive devices, known as 'tatucos', weighing approximately 117 kilograms inside a vehicle. Meanwhile, the Fiscalía General reported a 45-day crackdown on micro-trafficking and organized crime across five cities, resulting in 391 arrests and the disruption of over 40 criminal structures, including groups such as the Tren de Aragua and Los Satanás.